Boston Nearing Title of Most Walkable City in U.S.

This year as homebuyers set out on their search for properties in Boston, one of the items high on their wish list will be walkability. Today's buyers want to move to an area that can be easily navigated on foot. Well, you're in luck Boston, because the city is quickly becoming the most walkable in the country!

The walkability factor is one of Boston's major strengths—Walk Score even calls Boston a "pedestrian's perfect city"— and it's only going to improve from here on out.

One research group recently analyzed several cities and factors that contribute to their "walkability score," finding the top five to be Washington, D.C., New York, Boston, San Francisco and Chicago. However, according to Curbed Boston, a shakeup is in the works due to new construction which would put Boston in the Number One spot!

The research group took into account the construction and urbanization of Cambridge and the nearby suburbs to arrive at Boston's "walkability score." So where are the best places to live in the city if your plan is to stroll to your various errands, shopping spots, restaurants and nightlife? According to Walk Score, the North End, Chinatown and Bay Village all tied for first place (with a 98 out of possible 100) in terms of walkability in Boston.

The following are considered Boston's most walkable neighborhoods:

North End
The North End is the oldest neighborhood in Boston and today, is one where about 10K residents live. Many people know this area as Boston's "Little Italy" as it is home to many Italian restaurants and shops.

Chinatown
Located close to Boston's downtown shopping and financial district, Chinatown is rich in history, tradition, culture, culinary treasures and unique gifts. It is also the third largest Chinatown in the United States.

Bay Village
Bay Village is relatively quiet with little traffic, making it ideal for pedestrians. It is also located nearby numerous parks and gardens like Boston Common and the Boston Public Garden.

Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill describes itself as a "cozy enclave, filled with nearly 10,000 people, more like a village than an anonymous city." This area of Boston is filled with a strong community bond with beautiful homes, shops, and restaurants all within walking distance.

Downtown Crossing
Downtown Crossing is a shopping district located east of Boston Common and west of the financial district. With large department stores and souvenir sellers alike, this neighborhood also has streets closed to traffic which boosts its walkability factor.

As your local Boston real estate expert, I'd love to help you find a home that fits your homebuyer wish list, including one in a walkable neighborhood. Contact me today to find out which neighborhood would best suit your needs!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Boston Homebuyers Hold the Key to Speedy Sale

You may have heard the groans of past Boston homebuyers who believe the process takes too long, from start to finish. But what if I told you the time it takes to buy a home in Boston is ultimately up to the homebuyers themselves?

When surveying how long it takes to purchase Boston real estate, many will cite the amount of time to close on the mortgage once a buyer is under contract. However, that hardly factors in all of the steps leading up to that moment, from financial preparation through the home search and then to the closing. Every journey to buying a home in Boston is different, but ultimately up to the buyer.

Financial Prep
Saving to buy a home can take as long as you'd like, if you're planning to stockpile a larger downpayment for instance. It's always a great idea for homebuyers to clean up their credit scores and pay down their existing debt and this step can take years depending on the homebuyer's budget, especially if this is their first time buying Boston real estate.

Home Search
Finding the right home can be a challenge, given the inventory that's available at the time you begin house-hunting. According to the National Association of Realtors, homebuyers typically looked at 10 homes over 12 weeks before signing a contract last year. This is the most crucial (and personal) part of the homebuying process and finding the right balance between needs and wants in a home can take time.

Mortgage Closing
The closing on a home loan is often what buyers refer to when determining how long it takes to buy a home. Once under contract, the typical time frame is around 30 to 45 days, but that all depends on the loan type. The clock on this stage of the real estate process starts as soon as the purchase agreement is signed, but can often go on to require additional documents and resources to complete.

Your journey as a Boston homebuyer can take as little or as long as you'd like, but ultimately the timeline is up to you. Getting all of the documents and financial prep out of the way ahead of time makes the process that much easier and will get you from house hunt to closing quicker than those who skip a few steps along the way. As your Boston real estate expert, I'm here to help you move things along. Contact me today with any questions about how you can better prepare to buy this summer.

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Buyer, Seller Confidence Carries Over to Summer in Boston Real Estate

Recent surveys of nationwide real estate lately have reported a number of promising and bright futures ahead for local markets. For instance, more now find Boston real estate to be the best long-term investment, over stocks and savings, in addition to findings that confidence was soaring for both buyers and sellers this spring. The latest from Prudential's Real Estate Consumer Outlook Survey shows that same buyer and seller confidence for Boston area real estate will carry over into summer and thus, fuel the local market.

The survey shows an eight-point jump from last year in those who believe summer is the best time to buy a home in Boston. It seems confidence is still booming as 77 percent of consumers surveyed reported a favorable view of housing— a percentage now up 12 points from last year. Surprisingly, the group with the most optimism about the local real estate market is Millennial homebuyers.

The survey also found what points to a busy summer season ahead for both Boston homebuyers and home sellers. "Nearly 70 percent of those surveyed say they are committed to buying or selling a home now, a six point increase compared to [the same survey] at the end of last year," reported Realtor.com.

The confidence on both sides of the Boston real estate transaction stems from buyers and sellers understanding that home values are promising right now and mortgage rates will not stay this low for much longer. With the harsh winter we had, however, neither side was able to make much of a move. Boston homebuyers and sellers sprung into action this spring and as we push into summer, many more will follow suit. 

"The optimism and enthusiasm we're seeing through the survey underscores consumers' motivations and pent-up demand," said one leader of the survey. "As more homes come to market and lenders ease their stringent underwriting guidelines, we anticipate busy times ahead in real estate."

So, take that as a sign, Boston buyers and sellers! If you're among the almost 70 percent of survey participants who are committed to buying or selling this summer, you may not want to delay! There are busy times ahead and I'm happy to help you make your next move. Contact me today to see which homes are available for you and how you can go about making the most of your Boston home sale this summer.

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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How to Know If You're Ready to Buy Boston Real Estate

In my last blog post, I touched on how more Americans now see their homes as the best long-term investment, over others like stocks, gold and even simple savings. Another similar study found that homebuyers are now more confident than ever that now is the right time to buy a home in the Boston area. But the real question comes just before you begin that journey to purchasing a new home in Boston— are you really prepared? This season, especially before the busy summer gets underway, consider the following and factor into your preparation as a Boston homebuyer:

Time Your Purchase

Timing your Boston Metro real estate purchase can really make or break the sale— it's all about knowing which time will work best for you. A good rule of thumb is to begin your preparation one year before you plan to buy. Start with a mortgage calculator to find how much home you can afford, weighing the costs against your current expenses and determining how much you'll be saving (or not saving.) Be sure you take into account other expenses like homeowner's insurance, utilities and property taxes to get a good idea of total cost. Remember, if the numbers aren't exactly where you'd hope they'd be, you can always wait to purchase a home. Timing is everything.

Tend to Your Finances

Finances are the majority of what factors into your home purchase in the Boston area. Now is when you can start looking through your credit report, searching for errors to correct, and if you've not seen your credit score before, take the time to see if you can improve it. After all of your credit errors have been solved and your finances are clean and ready, you can begin saving for your home's downpayment. To purchase a home in the Boston area, you'll need at least 3.5 percent, so take that into consideration.

Know What You Like

When the time comes to start searching for homes for sale in Boston, make note of what you like. What types of homes catch your eye? Is it the number of bedrooms, the square footage, the overall style of the home? Learn exactly what features you want in a home and make a homebuyer wish list. Knowing what you like will make your home search much easier and you can narrow down homes by location and price range.

Preparing to buy a home in Boston is a process and one that may be best if started at least 12 months in advance. Don't delay! Get started today on the tasks above and if you have any questions, feel free to contact me! As your Boston real estate expert, I'm happy to discuss other steps you can take to ensure your homebuyer success this season.

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Homebuyers Confident About Boston Real Estate Investment

As we head into the busy summer season, many Boston residents may consider making a move to a new home in the area. With rising rates and Boston housing housing prices, it is still a great time to buy a home and it seems more and more are recognizing the investment of Boston real estate  According to a new Gallup poll, most Americans see real estate as the best investment by far— even over stocks!

The Costs
Many reasons factor into real estate as the best investment, one of those being the costs of renting. If you live in Boston, you may be considering buying a home for that exact reason. Renting costs are rising as well and many see owning a home as the better use of their money. Another housing study from Harvard found that over half of all participants agree that owning a home makes better financial sense than renting.

The Benefits
Owning a home has many benefits, including those associated with finances and building long-term wealth. The Harvard study also found that of current homeowners, 71 percent stated that buying and owning a home was a positive experience for them— while just 34 percent found renting to be a positive experience. If buying a home in Boston is on your to-do list this summer, you might like to get started to beat the busy buying season and snag your dream home to start enjoying the homeowner benefits.

The Demand
Now that housing is being recognized as the best investment for many Americans, the local real estate market is about to get busy! In fact, HousingWire found that 90 percent of current renters have the desire to buy a home and will soon begin the process to make that a reality. You won't want to delay as the summer months heat up— chances are so will the competition in the Boston real estate market!

Ready to make a move to a new home in Boston or make your first purchase to switch from renting to owning? Contact me today and we can get started on finding you a Boston property that fits your wants and needs. As your local real estate expert, I am happy to answer any questions you have about the market or what it takes to get into that home you've always dreamed of. I look forward to hearing from you!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Your Moving Guide for Boston Real Estate

Now that spring is here in Boston, the weather is favorable for an easy moving experience. If you've taken advantage of this exciting time in the real estate market and purchased a new home, you'll soon be packing up the boxes. But no matter if you're a seasoned mover or you've just purchased your first home in Boston— moving tips are always helpful, especially from your local real estate agent. Here are a few tips to help keep things organized during your move to new Boston homes this spring:

Find a Reliable Moving Company

This should be your first step in the moving process. Not all homeowners like to do the heavy lifting themselves— that's where a moving company comes in handy. But it can be tough finding a moving company you can rely on, especially if you've never hired one. Get recommendations from family and friends, and better yet, your Boston real estate agent likely has one of their own they can steer you towards. Your Boston real estate agent has their finger on the pulse of the community, don't be afraid to ask for referrals.

Start a Moving Checklist

When it comes to moving, there is no such thing as too organized. Sit down and make a timeline, map out every step that will be involved. Break down the tasks that you should be doing each week and the pieces that should be moved during which times. You can even take organization to the next level and color coordinate your moving boxes. Keep a log of them with your timeline and to-do list. The earlier you start and the more organized you keep things, the easier the process will be!

Keep Your Budget in Mind

You've budgeted for your Boston home purchase, but what about your move? Many homebuyers often overlook the costs involved with moving. Your real estate agent is the best person to discuss the budget required for a move and what should be included. Do you have a tight budget? Your agent is just the real estate resource who can help you get it down to the essentials in order to keep costs low.

Referrals and Recommendations

All of the services you'll need for a move can be difficult to find. You'll save time and money in the long run when you use a trusted company with a proven record, so ask your real estate agent for the best picks. As KCM suggests, your Boston real estate agent can also "provide [you] with a list of people [they] recommend, including a cleaner, exterminator, interior decorator, handyman, contractor, and anyone else [they] find necessary or helpful during the moving process."

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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Boston Real Estate Agents Essential This Spring!

For many this spring, buying a home in Boston is still very much a part of the American Dream. The housing market is continuing to recover, visibly stronger than it has been in past months, but prospective buyers are still wondering if they need to hire a Boston real estate agent. As you plan to get a jump on current mortgage rates and housing prices, keep in mind the following that an agent will help you achieve, including the purchase of a new Boston home!

They Have Experience
One of the smartest moves you can make as a Boston homebuyer, or home seller, is to team up with a Boston real estate agent that knows the area. If you're ready to buy, your real estate agent will know the which neighborhoods are the best fit for your homebuyer wants and needs. If you're ready to sell, your agent will know how to market your home to attract the right buyers. Remember, even if you're new to the Boston real estate market, you don't have to know everything. You can leave it to the pros!

They Know the Area
As a home seller, you'll want to make sure your home has a competitive price, given others in the area. Your Boston real estate agent will compare your home to similar properties and help find the best selling price. Once we determine how your home stacks up to others in the Boston real estate market, we will be able to market the home to the right buyers at the right price. Spring is going to be an exciting season for real estate— teaming up with an agent will help you take full advantage of the changing market.

They Know the Process

During the process of buying a home in Boston, lots of paperwork will be signed and filed. If you're a first-time buyer, this may look foreign to you, but don't worry! Your real estate agent will be there to explain every step and you can be assured they are working with your best interests in mind. One of the biggest benefits to you as a Boston homebuyer is having someone who's been through the process before in your corner, happy to answer any questions.

As your Boston real estate agent, I am happy to help you from the beginning stages of your home search to the final closing. Let's chat about how I can help your homeowner goals this spring!

Ken Snyder

Keller Williams Realty Boston-Metro

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